Business leaders share their top concerns

AI is transforming the way businesses operate. While OpenAI didn’t invent AI itself, the company’s ChatGPT platform has made the technology a household name - with over 1 million enterprise users driving its rapid adoption worldwide. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 80% of enterprises will have engaged with Generative AI (GenAI) through APIs, models, or production applications - an incredible leap from less than 5% in 2023.

Despite this global momentum, progress in the UK - where the market for AI is valued at £16.8 billion - has been more cautious. CreateFuture’s latest whitepaper, From Hype to Reality: Research from the Frontline of the UK’s AI Revolution, investigates why so many organisations are hesitant to fully embrace the transformative tech. The barriers are clear: unclear strategies, training gaps, security concerns, and regulatory uncertainty. And then there’s the elephant in the boardroom: return on investment. For CFOs and CIOs, the challenge of measuring AI’s ROI often creates more confusion than clarity.

These challenges might feel overwhelming, but they’re far from insurmountable. Based on insights from over 1,000 UK business leaders, ‘From Hype to Reality’ digs deep into these barriers and offers practical guidance to help organisations move forward with confidence. If your goal is to make more informed decisions on your business’ AI adoption journey, explore our latest findings today.

Why strategy is the first barrier

AI isn’t a quick fix - it requires a clear plan and vision for integration. However, many companies lack this level of direction. Our research reveals that 38% of business leaders acknowledge their organisation has no defined AI vision. Even more concerning, nearly one in five admit to having no AI strategy at all. Without a clear roadmap, businesses risk falling short of AI’s full potential.

Even when strategies exist, they’re often fragmented and lack cohesion. Without strong leadership alignment, progress stalls. According to our research, only a third of decision-makers feel their leadership teams are fully united on AI. That’s a problem, because leadership sets the tone for the entire organisation. Without their buy-in, AI risks being dismissed as a passing trend instead of the transformative tool it could be.

To overcome this, businesses need an actionable roadmap - and leadership support to make it stick. Our whitepaper provides insight on our own journey and efforts in this area.

The overlooked power of training

Big tech companies and industry leaders are investing heavily in workforce training to address the AI skills gap. Microsoft, for instance, has committed to a multi-million-pound initiative to train over one million people in the UK, equipping workers for roles across the AI economy. Similarly, AstraZeneca is reshaping its workforce strategies to prioritise training, raise awareness, and boost employee engagement with AI technologies.

Yet, despite these high-profile efforts, many organisations are still struggling to close the skills gap within their own teams. Our research found that over 40% of organisations say their teams lack the skills needed to use AI effectively - one of the most underestimated barriers to adoption. This gap represents a significant missed opportunity.

AI is a tool and, like any tool, its success depends on the people using it. Companies that invest in comprehensive training programmes consistently see faster adoption, better outcomes, and more engaged employees. Training turns AI from an abstract concept into a practical solution that delivers measurable results.

Download CreateFuture’s previous whitepaper, Unleashing AI’s True Potential in Business: Beyond the Hype, to discover how we created a training programme that works, complete with insights to help your team unlock AI’s potential. But training is just one piece of the puzzle - organisations must also address broader concerns around privacy, security, and costs.

Overcoming privacy, security, and cost concerns

Privacy breaches, security risks, and high costs remain significant hurdles for organisations considering AI adoption. Nearly 39% of business leaders cite data security as a major barrier, while 36% point to high implementation costs. Regulatory uncertainty - affecting 95% of organisations - further complicates decision-making and adds to the hesitation.

These challenges, however, are far from insurmountable. By selecting secure, cost-effective solutions aligned with UK regulations, businesses can overcome these barriers and unlock AI’s potential.

Act now to progress from promise to impact

The urgency to act is clear. Over half (58%) of decision-makers say AI isn’t a priority yet, but 46% recognise that it will be critical for long-term success. Meanwhile, competitors are already using AI to innovate, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences. Every delay widens the gap, making it harder to catch up in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or refining existing implementations, CreateFuture’s latest whitepaper, ‘From Hype to Reality’, shares insights and case studies from our own experience to help businesses navigate the UK’s evolving AI landscape.

Download our latest report today to take the first step toward gaining a competitive edge.